Releasable ski bindings and accessories

ABSTRACT

A ski binding releasing the skier&#39;&#39;s boots from the ski on command of the skier by release of mechanical switches positioned in the grips of the skier&#39;&#39;s ski poles and connected to the ski bindings by cables in the skier&#39;&#39;s garments. A backup release system is actuated automatically when the tension or torsional forces between the bindings and the skier&#39;&#39;s boots exceed preset limits.

United States atet [72] Inventor John D. Wilkes 1024 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, D.C. 20007 [21] Appl. No. 838,873

[22] Filed July 3, 1969 [45] Patented Oct. 19, 1971 [54] RELEASABLE SKI BINDINGS AND ACCESSORIES 34 Claims, 59 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl... ..280/11.35 R [51] Int. Cl A63c 9/08 [50] Field of Search 280/1135 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,803,467 8/1957 Von Opel 280/1135 LB 2,907,574 10/1959 Goyetal. 280/1135 TA 3,052,482 9/1962 DeBeausacq 280/1135 TK 3,246,907 4/1966 Chisholm ..280/l1.37 EB X FOREIGN PATENTS 133,537 5/1933 Austria 280/1135 TT 624,302 9/1961 Italy 280/1135 HA 302,182 12/1954 Switzerland 280/1135 TK Primary Examiner Benjamin Hersh Assistant Examiner-Milton L. Smith Attorney-Limbach, Limbach & Sutton ABSTRACT: A ski binding releasing the skiers boots from the ski on command of the skier by release of mechanical switches positioned in the grips of the skiers ski poles and connected to the ski bindings by cables in the skiers garments. A backup release system is actuated automatically when the tension or torsional forces between the bindings and the skiers boots exceed preset limits.

PATENTEDUCT 19 I9" SHEET 030! 15 FIG. IO

PATENTEUUCT 19 m1 SHEET Chill 15 PAIENTEDHU 19 Ian 3.614.119

SHEET 05 0F 15 PATENTEDB 19 I97! 3.614.119

SHEET USUF 15 PAIENTEDucI 19 Ian SHEET 080F 15 Pmmznum 191911 3.614.119

SHEET OSUF 15 FIG. 25

PATENTEUUET 19 I971 SHEET 100F 15 PATENTEuum 19 I9?! 3,614.1 l9

sum 12 or 15 SKI-OPEN FOR MOUNTING I MH f SKI-RELEASED PAIENTEuum 19 Ian 3.614.119

sum 1n 0F 15 PATENTEDUET 191911 3.614.1 19

SHEET 15 0F 15 RELEASABLE SKI BINDINGS AND ACCESSORIES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to bindings for skis, and more particularly, to devices for attaching skis to boots and for safe- Iy releasing them, automatically or on command, at the skiers option.

2. Description of the Prior Art Until now various ski bindings have been devised which purport to provide safety by automatically releasing the boot from the ski binding when the tension or torsional forces between the two exceeds certain limits. The limits are determined by the setting given the binding. The likelihood of a timely release is high for loosely attached bindings and low for tightly set bindings. Thus, the degree of safety varies inversely with the tightness or binding force set in the binding. However, the effect on ski performance is reversed, since ski performance is enhanced by the degree of firmness and adherence of the boot to the ski. A very tight attachment will permit excellent control; a looser connection between the boot and ski will make control more difficult and might induce a fall. Existing bindings, therefore, at best offer a compromise between controllability of the skis and safety.

The present invention provides various embodiments of ski bindings and accessories the object of which, when used together or alone, is to solve problems in the following major areas:

1. Binding the boot firmly to the ski so as to provide positive control ofthe ski by the skier;

2. Providing complete release of the boot from the ski on COMMAND from the skier with two additional options, (a) a partial release on COMMAND and (b) a back-up AUTO- MATIC release (the command feature provides further safety in that it actuates on reflex action in the event of an unanticipated fall);

3. Proving step-in convenience in attaching the ski to the boot; and

4. Providing forward release from the toe in the event of sudden resistance of the ski to forward motion.

SUMMARY With these and other objects in mind, an apparatus in accordance with the invention includes toe and heel units for clamping the toe and heel respectively to the ski. Facilities are provided for biasing at least one of the toe and heel units longitudinally toward the other to grip the boot therebetween. A latch device holds the toe and heel units in their gripping position during normal operating conditions. Facilities are provided which are controlled by the skier during the act of skiing for releasing the latch device on command to move said toe and heel units longitudinally apart so that the boot may be extricated from the ski.

DRAWINGS Other objects, advantages, and aspects of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and drawings of specific embodiments thereof, wherein:

FIG. I shows a skier using the bindings and accessories in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention applied to a cable type binding;

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of a catch for holding in position a release cable;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a release element in the locked position;

FIG. 5 shows the release element of FIG. 4 in its released position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view ofa second embodiment ofa ski binding in accordance with the invention on a cable type bind- 8;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 with portions removed;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cable connector;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a release switch which is mounted on the skiers body;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the release switch shown in FIG. 11 with the top broken away;

FIG. 13 i another embodiment of a release switch shown with the top removed;

FIGS. Ida-e are diagrammatic views showing the operation of the release switch of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a handle mounted command release mechanism shown partially in cross section;

FIG. 16 is the release mechanism shown in its partially released position;

FIG. 17 is the release mechanism shown in its total release position;

FIG. 17a is a perspective detail view of a portion of the release mechanism;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a ski binding in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the ski binding shown in FIG. 18 with portions removed, and shown in the locked condition;

FIG. 20 is the same embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and I9 showing the released condition;

FIG. 21 is the same view as FIG. 20 with the cover plated removed;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a binding racket;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a toe and heel retaining unit;

FIG. 24 shows in more detail the core member of the toe and heel retaining unit of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a detail cross-sectional elevational view showing the connection of segments of the cover plate;

FIG. 26 is a detailed cross-sectional elevational view of guide and roller members;

FIG. 27 is a detailed cross-sectional elevational view showing the rollers on which the transmission plate moves;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view looking forward showing the sole plate in the raised position;

FIG. 29 is a detailed perspective view looking rearward of the forward shock release mechanism;

FIG. 30 is a detailed perspective view of the release mechanism for the embodiment shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a ski binding in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 32 shows the ski binding of FIG. 31 in the released position;

FIG. 33 shows the ski binding of FIG. 31 just as it is being released;

FIG. 34 shows the ski binding of FIG. 31 in the locked position;

FIG. 35 is an in detail perspective view looking forward, with portions removed, showing the housing for the heel binding unit;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view with portions removed looking rearward and showing the heel retaining unit for the embodiment of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 37a-c show the release mechanism in various positions;

FIG. 38 is a perspective exploded view looking forward showing the hinged connection for the heel binding unit;

FIG. 39 is a detail perspective view of the command trigger release;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view with portions removed of the release mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIG. 41 looking downward and forward;

FIG. 46 is a detailed perspective view looking from underneath the carriage block of the binding showing FIG. 41;

FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view of the carriage block shown in FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is an inverted shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional elevational view taken along line 49-49 of FIG. 43;

FIG. 50 is an exploded view showing the heel retaining bracket for the ski binding shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 51 is a detailed perspective view with portions removed of a bracket shown in FIG. 45; and

FIG. 52 is an enlarged perspective view showing the various motions imparted to the mechanism to effect an automatic release.

perspective view of the retaining arm DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In general, in order to accomplish the first purpose of finnly binding the boot to the ski, two units (toe and heel) attached to the ski lock onto the toe and heel of the boot as the boot is pressed onto the ski. This downward boot action also energizes the bindings release springs. Releasability of the boot is independent of binding force on the boot. In order to achieve a command release, the bindings are discharged by means of cables, resembling a bicycle brake cable, connected to controls located on the ski pole handles within the skier's grasp and actuated by his command. The third objective, step-in attachment of the binding, is obtained by means of the tightening effect of a hinged sole plate as it is depressed against the ski during the step-in action of the boot.

The objective of a forward shock release is accomplished by mounting the bindings toe unit on a base plate that translates forward when forward toe pressure exceeds a preset threshold.

A general descriptive view of the principal elements of this binding is given in FIG. 1. The binding itself may be released either by the AUTOMATIC mode or on COMMAND. Before starting, the skier can adjust the hand the strength required for automatic release, and also the extent (total or partial) of release. At maximum setting no automatic release is possible; at minimum setting the slightest force of the boot away from the ski will release the binding.

Without the command features, the binding may be used as an automatic releasable binding only. Used in this manner, it retains the advantage over conventional bindings of providing forward shock release and total or partial release (i.e. relaxation) as desired.

This invention also relates to a COMMAND/AUTOMATIC releasable binding of the cable type. This version represents a relatively inexpensive embodiment of the concept of COM- MAND/AUTOMATIC releasable ski bindings. Like current cable releases this binding is not of the step-in type. Both embodiments use the same types of release cables, release switches and command release units.

In FIG. 2 there is shown one embodiment of the cable type of COMMAND/AUTOMATIC release binding in which the release is applied directly to a binding cable 21. The binding includes the elements common to standard cable-type bindings: (l) a forward lever 22 used to tighten and lock the binding which is adjustable to vary cable tension; (2) a toe unit 23 immediately forward of the boot and engaging the forward part of the boot sole upon tension of the binding cable 21 (this unit is held in place by a vertical shaft 24 about which it is free to rotate left or right); (3) two cable hooks, 26 and 27, permitting different settings of the binding. In the cable type of binding the portion of the cable 21, which extends around the heel of the boot, constitutes the heel unit. The toe unit 23 in this embodiment is stationary in the longitudinal direction; whereas the heel unit, i.e., the cable 21, is movable longitudinally to grip the boot between the heel and toe units.

The improved binding shown in FIG. 2 differs from the standard cable binding in that it can be released at the command of the skier. Cable 21 includes a latch or release element 31 which is connected to a release cable 32 extending upward along the wall of the boot and entering the skiers trousers. Release cable 32 is held in place against the boot by means of a bracket 33 attached to the edge of the boot sole. It can be readily inserted in the bracket 33 by depressing a tab 34, as shown in FIG. 3. A metal bulb attached to the wall of the release cable 32 limits movement of the cable 32 through the bracket 33 upon separation of the boot from the binding. Thus, the portion of release cable 32 extending from release element 31 to the bulb 36 acts as a retaining or "safety strap" on the ski in the event of binding release. A cable connector links the lower part of release cable 32 to its extension into the ski trousers. The connector 100, which is described in detail hereinafter, can be disconnected easily when the boot is removed from the binding.

The operation of the cable release element 31 is shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. The release element 31 includes a hard metal cylinder 41 which receives a smaller metal cylinder 42, terminating in a spherical cavity 43. The cylinders 41 and 42 are screwed together and held in a fixed position with respect to one another by an annular threaded ring 44. The base of the cylinder 41 has an aperture 46 to permit free passage of a cable core 48 of release cable 21. The cable core 48 extends into the cylinders 41 and 42 and terminates in a hard metal ball 51, which can be seated in the spherical cavity 43 or move longitudinally inside the cylinders 41 and 42. The external surface of ball 51 is firmly secured to the other end of the cable core 48. A coil spring 52 positioned inside cylinders 41 and 42 normally urges ball 51 into cavity 43. A hard metal plunger 53 holds the ball 51 in the spherical cavity 43 when the plunger occupies the position shown in FIG. 4. The cable 32 includes a cable core 54, and is fixedly attached to the cylinder 42 as shown at 56. When tension is exerted on the cable core 54 of the release cable 32, the plunger 53 recedes along a channel 57.

FIG. 4 shows the release element 31 when the binding is in the locked position. The binding cable core 48 is under tension, as indicated by the arrows on the left and the right, and plunger 53 is positioned so as to prevent the egress of ball 51 from spherical cavity 43. Upon command, as shown by arrow 58 in FIG. 5, the cable core 54 draws the plunger 53 along channel 57 thereby liberating the ball 51 to egress from chamber 43. Ball 51 then yields to the tension of the binding cable core 48 and moves to the base of cylinder 41. The ball 41 is cushioned by the compression of coil spring 52. As a result, the total length of the cable 48 binding the boot to the ski is increased by approximately the distance which existed between the ball 51 in its initial position (FIG. 4) and its final position (FIG. 5). The relative setting of cylinders 41 and 42 which controls the length of the cylindrical chamber through which ball 51 travels, therefore determines the amount by which the original binding force applied to the boot is reflexed. Depending upon the adjustment made, the boot is either totally released or sufficiently loosened to assure its separation from the ski in the event of a fall.

After the boot has left the binding, the binding cable core 48 is no longer under tension, and spring 52 is free to decompress causing ball 51 to return to its original position in the spherical cavity 43. When the hand controlled pole release units 200 (described hereinafter) are reset, release cable core 54 is forced in the direction of arrow 61 (FIG. 5), and plunger 53 returns along channel 57 to its original position (FIG. 4), once again locking the ball 51 in cavity 43. The release element 31 is now ready to be used again. The outer surfaces of cylinder 41 and of locking ring 44 may be corrugated to facilitate screwing of these parts into the desired positions.

In FIGS. 6-8 there is shown another embodiment of a cabletype COMMAND/AUTOMATIC ski binding. In this embodiment the latch release is applied to the lever 71 used to apply tension to the binding and lock it into position, instead of the binding cable. Lever 71 (similar to lever 22 in FIG. 2) is mounted immediately forward of the boot. As it is depressed by forward rotation, around a hinge 72, tension is imparted to a binding cable 73 which loops around the upper part of the heel in the conventional manner forcing the boot against the surface of the ski and forcingthe toe forward against a toe retaining unit 74. Under torsion the toe unit 73 can pivot right and left about a vertical holding pin 76 eventually disengaging the toe, as in conventional safety bindings. However, the toe unit 74 also slides lengthwise on a guide rail 77 along the ski centerline as seen in FIG. 8. Rotation of lever 71 extends forward and downward to a point where, unless held down, the lever would be constrained by the tension of binding cable 73 to return to a vertical position. However, lever 71 is held down by a latch 78 which engages a tip 79 of lever 71.

The latch 78 is supported for sliding movement in a release mechanism 81 which includes a hollow housing 82. Inside housing 82 is a support bracket 83 to which is attached the sheath of a release cable 84 (similar to cable 32, FIG. 2). The core 86 of cable 84 passes through an aperture (unnumbered) in bracket 83 and is attached to the forward end of latch 78. A compression spring 87 normally urges the latch rearwardly so as to be in a holding position for the lever 71.

Upon COMMAND release conveyed through the release cable 84 the latch 78 moves forward in the direction of the arrow, freeing lever 71. Thereupon lever 71 rotates upward and backward to relax the tension in cable 73. This rotation is aided by a leaf spring 88 which is compressed when lever 71 is latched in the forward position. The compression spring 87 resets the latch 78 after a release. It is to be understood that other latch mechanisms could be used. For example, the latch 78 could be pivoted laterally so as to release the lever 71.

Additional facilities are provided to insure that the toe unit 74 is separated from the boot on COMMAND. At the lower end of the lever 71 there is provided a gear segment 91 which is meshed with a rack 92. The rack 92 is secured to a shaft 93 extending forwardly from the toe unit 74. The shaft 93 is freely mounted inside a housing 94 on the forward end of the toe unit 74. A compression spring 95 mounted around the shaft 93 urges the rack 92 and the toe unit 74 apart. When lever 71 is locked in its down position, the spring 95 is compressed by the movement of the rack 92 and the gear segment 91, thus urging the toe retaining unit 74 against the skiers boot. When lever 71 is released by the latch 78, the rack 92 is moved forward to relieve the compression on the spring 95. This permits the retaining unit 74 to move forward on the guide rail 77 to disengage the boot from the retaining unit 74. The boot can now pivot more freely out of the toe unit, assuring a safe release in the event ofa fall.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, cable 32 extends upward inside the ski trousers through the cable connector 100. The connector 100, shown in detail in FIGS. 9 and 10, links the upper and lower parts of the release cable end to end so as to transmit without slack or distortion impulses applied to cable core 54. The connector 100 has a top 101 and a bottom 102 that form a rigid housing when snapped together. The bottom 102 is secured to the lower portion of cable 32; and the top 101 is secured to the upper portion of cable 32. The top 101 and bottom 102 are generally rectangular in shape and can be made of metal, plastic, or other material. The upper end of the top 101 and the lower end of the bottom 102 are faired in the shape of cones 106 and 107, respectively, in which the cable 32 is received. The top 101 and bottom 102 are snapped together. The two sidewalls 108 (one shown) of the top 101 terminate at the open end in small panels 109 turned inwardly. These fit against similar panels 111 (one shown) ofthe bottom where the top and bottom of the cable connector are joined, preventing longitudinal displacement of one part relative to the other. Vertical separation is prevented by a single row of knobs 113, on each side of the bottom 102 which engage in a longitudinal groove 114 of the top 101 when the top and bottom are joined. The knobs 113 and grooves 114 act as a snap mechanism. Disconnection of connector 100 is achieved by pulling on a metal tab 116 extending from the top 101.

The top 101 and bottom 102 contain mating elements 117 and 1 18 respectively, which are in the form of opposed square teeth which interlock to prevent relative longitudinal movement. The square teeth 117 and 118 mate with essentially no slack in the cable 32. The mating elements 117 and 118 can move lengthwise together either way about 1%; inches inside their respective top and bottom housings. However, they are prevented from moving up or down or sideways by the walls of the housing and by retaining brackets 122. As the top 101 and bottom 102 are pressed together the square teeth elements 117 and 118 come into contact with each other so as to effect a continuous connection between the upper and lower ends of cable 32 with no appreciable slack. It is to be understood that the mating elements 117 and 118 may take other forms so long as they permit little or no slack and can easily be snapped together.

In FIGS. 11-14 there are shown two embodiments of a release switch, designated generally 140, which gives the skier the option of COMMAND releasing the binding when either his right hand or left hand command release 200 is actuated (SINGLE), or only when both are actuated (JOINT). In either case, SINGLE or JOINT release, the bindings of both boots are simultaneously released.

The principle of operation is diagrammatically shown in FIGS. l4a-b where the release switch is set for SINGLE release. Command release cables 141 and 142 from the left and right hands of the skier lead into switch 140 and are there connected with a single release cable 143 which splits into two strands 32 and 32' leading to the left and right ski bindings. The connection of cables 141 and 142 to cables 32 and 32' is through a pair of overlapping plates 146 and 147. Plate 146 is rigidly secured perpendicular to a base plate 148 which undergoes translation upon the pull of one or both of cables 141 and 142. Cables 141 and 142 are semirigid and are joined by means of a flexible cord 151 that loops around a pulley 152 extending upward from base plate 148.

The plate 147 is rigidly secured to a frame 153 that is free to slide on base plate 148. Release cable 143 is rigidly secured to an end wall 154 of frame 153.

Frame 153 may be positioned through lateral translation into one of two positions as shown in FIGS. 14a and 140. In the SINGLE release position (FIG. 140) the upstanding plate 146 partly overlies the plate 147 so that a pull from either release cable 141 or 142 results in a longitudinal displacement of plate 147 via the plate 146 and the base plate 148. This pulls the release cable 143 in the same direction thereby sending a release command to both of the ski bindings (FIG. 14b).

In the JOINT release position (FIG. 14c) frame 153 has been moved laterally (to the left) so that plates 146 and 147 are no longer in an overlapping position. If either cable 141 or 142 is pulled (but not both) as a result of a hand release, base plate 148 is moved longitudinally but this motion is not transmitted to frame 153. In such case, plate 146 would move to a position adjacent to the end wall 1.56 of frame 153 (FIG. 14d) but would exert little or no force thereagainst. This result is achieved, of course, by setting the amounts of motion which are imparted to the cables 141 and 142 by the hand release mechanism 200. On the other hand, if both cables 141 and 142 are pulled (FIG. 14e), plate 146 is moved twice as far thereby engaging the end wall 156 and imparting longitudinal movement to the frame 153 and its associated release cable 143.

In either of the SINGLE or JOINT release setting, the amount of movement imparted to the release cable 143 is approximately one-half of the movement imparted to cables 141 and 142. Therefore, the hand release mechanisms 200 must impart to their respective cables twice the pull distance required to release the binding itself.

As shown in FIG. 12, switch 1401s encased in a housing 161 with openings 162 and 163 at its ends for receiving release cables 141-142 and 3232', respectively. The opening 162 is provided with two contiguous sleeves 164 to which are attached the sheaths of release cables 141 and 142 extending from the hand release units 200. A single conical sleeve 165 extends from the opening 163 which is attached to the sheath of release cable 143. Release cable 143 leads to a Y-shaped conduit 166 in which the cable separates into two strands 32 and 32 leading to the left and right ski bindings.

As shown in FIG. 14b, base plate 148 is restrained from moving freely along the bottom of housing 161 by means of two relatively weak compression springs 167 (one shown), disclosed in the extended position. The springs 167 are guided by two straight metal rods 168 (one shown), which extend along the axes of springs 167. The ends of rods 168 are positioned in passageways 169 in base plate 148 for support and guidance. Whenever base plate 148 is moved as a result of a pull by either cable 141 or cable 142, springs 167 are compressed. The energy stored in the springs 167 is sufficient to later return the base plate 148 to its position shown in FIG. 12.

The top of housing 161 is covered with a panel 171 (FIG. 11) having an opening 172 therein. Adjacent to the opening 172 indicia may be placed designating position 1," for SIN- GLE release, and position 2, for JOINT release.

Positioned on the frame 153 is a switch actuator 176 which fits into opening 172. The actuator 176 is mounted on two parallel rails 177 (FIG. 12) secured to the top of frame 153. As shown in FIG. 1 l the actuator 176 is in the SINGLE release position wherein wall 146 and wall 147 are in an overlapping position (FIG. 14a). Movement of the switch 176 to position 2", with the concomitant movement of frame 153, places walls 146 and 147 in a nonoverlapping position as shown in FIG. 14c.

When the binding is released, clue to the actuation of release cables 141 and/or 142', frame 153 moves in the direction of arrow 178 (FIG. 12) while actuator 176, being constrained by the opening 172, remains stationary with respect to panel 171.

As an alternative to the design shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, release cables 141 and 142 can be connected to toothed racks 181 and 182 positioned inside housing 161. The racks face inwardly and have positioned therebetween a pinion gear 183. The pinion is secured by an arm 184 to end wall 156 to convey the motion of the racks to the plate 146 and thereby to housing 153 and the cable 143. The switching arrangement from SINGLE to JOINT is the same as that shown in FIG. 11. If the actuator 176 is on JOINT the movement imparted to pinion 183 by either cable 141 or cable 142 alone is insufficient to actuate the release of the bindings. However, if both of the racks 181 and 182 are moved in response to their respective cables 141 and 142 the pinion 183 is given sufficient movement to move frame 153 thereby actuating the release cable 143.

As shown in FIGS. 15-17 a hand held command release mechanism 200 is secured to the end of each of the skier's poles 201. A movable handle grip 202 is connected to the pole 201 by a lower bifurcated arm 203 and an upper bifurcated arm 204. The furcations of arm 203 are connected through the body of pole 201 on a pivot pin 205 positioned in slots 206 (one shown). The furcations of arm 204 are connected to the body of pole 201 by a pin 207 which is free to move longitudinally in slots 208 (one shown). Arm 203 includes at its outer end a crossbar 211 having generally rectangularly shaped knobs 212 which extend beyond the surface of grip 202. When handle grip 202 is in the depressed position shown in FIG. 15 crossbar 211 fits into a cutout portion 213. Knobs 212 are positioned in the circular portions 214 of cutout 213 and are held there so long as knobs 212 are positioned obliquely relative to the exit slit 216 (FIG. 15). As the upper end of handle grip 202 is allowed to rotate outward (FIG. 16), the position of knobs 212 inside cutout 213 changes until crossbar 211 reaches a position where it is freed from the body of the ski pole 201.

Handle grip 202 is normally urged away from the body of the ski pole 201 by a compression spring 221 housed inside a pair of telescopic cylinders 222 and 223. The base of cylinder 222 is secured to the inner side of pole 201; whereas cylinder 223 is free to move longitudinally with its outward tip 224 being rounded and in engagement with the underside of handle grip 202 between walls 225. Attached at the midpoint of crossbar 211 is the end of one of the release cables 141 or 142 (FIG. 17). Therefore, movement of crossbar 211 outwardly away from ski pole 201 causes a pull to be supplied to the connector switch 100, previously described in FIG. 10.

Spring 22] causes rotational movement of hand grip 202 about crossbar 211, but its position at the lower portion of handle grip 202 minimizes the torque required at the top of the handle to restrain rotation. Therefore, a normal grip by the skiers hand is all that is required to prevent release. However, if handle grip 202 is permitted to rotate fully around crossbar 211, as shown in FIG. 16, the binding does not release so long as the bottom portion of handle grip 202 is not permitted to separate from the body of ski pole 201. Thus, only when the skiers hand is fully opened does the handle grip complete its movement at both ends thereby causing the binding to be released (FIG. 17).

In order to reset hand release mechanism 200, the bottom portion of handle grip 202 is first depressed manually until it is in contact with the stock of ski pole 201. Next, holding the bottom part in position, the upper portion of handle grip 202 is depressed until it comes in contact with the stock. As this occurs, arm 203 is depressed and crossbar 21 l is brought back into cutout 213. As arm 204 is depressed pin 207 moves downward in slots 208. Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, knobs 212 on crossbar 211 are locked into the circular portion 214 of cutout 213 preventing release thereof. A safety switch 226 is provided on the uppermost end of ski pole 201 for retaining handle grip 202 in its closed position. The curved tip 227 of switch 226 is merely moved into an overlapping relationship with the upper edge 228 of handle 202 to preclude inadvertent release.

In FIGS. 18-30 there is shown one embodiment of a step-in COMMAND-AUTOMATIC releasable ski binding, designated generally 300. In order to lock the boot to the ski, the skier introduces his boot toe against a binding toe unit 301 and then presses his boot sole against a sole plate 302. A binding heel unit 303 includes a heel plate 304 which is hinged at 305 to sole plate 302. Heel unit 303 and heel plate 304 rotate forward until plates 302 and 304 are coplanar against the surface of the ski. As this occurs, heel unit 303 engages the heel of the boot thereby locking the boot by its sole between toe unit 301 and heel unit 303 (FIG. 19).

As shown in FIG. 19, toe unit 301 rests on a cover plate 306 which extends rearward under sole plate 302 and under heel unit 303. Cover plate 306 encloses most of the elements of the binding mechanism to shield them from the snow. Also, toe unit 301 is protected by a fairing 307 (FIG. 18), and heel unit 303 is protected by a fairing 308.

Asbinding 300 is released, either on COMMAND or by AUTOMATIC, two actions take place: (I) toe unit 301 is propelled forward in the direction of arrow 311 (FIG. 18), releasing the toe of the boot either totally or partially depending upon the setting of the binding; and (2) heel unit 303, together with heel plate 304 are released and free to rotate up ward as indicated by arrow 312.

In the COMMAND release mode, the boot is released when the skier actuates the release cables 32 by means of hand release mechanisms 200. In the AUTOMATIC release mode, the boot is released (I) if sufficient rotational force relative to the ski is exerted laterally at either the toe unit 301 or the heel unit 303, or (2) if sufficient upward force is exerted on heel unit 301, or (3) if a sudden resistance to forward motion is encountered by the ski, thereby releasing toe unit 301.

In FIG. 19, the binding is shown with the toe and heel unit protective fairings 307 and 308 removed. Heel unit 303 and toe unit 301 are identical except for base side plates 316 which extend on either side of the forward part of heel unit 303. Units 303 and 301 are hinged at the tapered end to tabs 317 and 318, respectively, that are screwed to the body of the binding. 

1. Apparatus for securing a ski to a boot, which comprises: a toe unit for clamping the toe of the boot to the ski; a heel unit for clamping the heel of the boot to the ski; means for biasing at least one of said toe and heel units longitudinally away from the other to relax the grip on the boot therebetween; latch means for holding said toe and heel units in their gripping position during normal operating conditions; a command release means adapted to be held in the hand of the skier during the act of skiing for producing a release command when the hand of the skier opens; and means for transmitting the release command from said command means to said latch means to move said toe and heel units longitudinally apart so that the boot may be extricated from the ski.
 2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said toe unit moves forwArd upon the release of said latch means.
 3. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said heel unit moves rearward upon the release of said latch means.
 4. Apparatus for securing a ski to a boot, which comprises: a toe unit for clamping the toe of the boot to the ski; a heel unit for clamping the heel of the boot to the ski; means for biasing at least one of said toe and heel units longitudinally away from the other to relax the grip on the boot therebetween; latch means for holding said toe and heel units in their gripping position during normal operating conditions; and means controlled by the skier during the acts of skiing for releasing said latch means on command to move said toe and heel units longitudinally apart so that the boot may be extricated from the ski, said releasing means comprising a command release mechanism adapted to be held in the hand of the skier; and a shielded cable connected at one end to said latch means and connected at the other end to said release mechanism for transmitting the release command from the skier to the latch means.
 5. Apparatus as recited in claim 4, which further includes: a ski pole; and wherein said release mechanism is mounted on the handle end of said pole.
 6. Apparatus as recited in claim 4, which further includes: a ski pole; and wherein said release mechanism includes; a handle grip connected to one end of the pole, one end of said shielded cable being connected to the handle grip; and spring means for biasing said handle grip away from the pole upon release of the grip by the skier to pull the cable and thereby actuate the latch means on the command of the skier.
 7. Apparatus as recited in claim 6, which includes, means for holding the release mechanism in a safety position so that release of the handle grip does not result in a release of said latch means.
 8. Apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said shielded cable is divided into at least three separable sections, a first of which is secured to the binding, a second of which is carried on the skier''s body, and the third section is secured to the release switch, and which further includes, cable connectors for releasably connecting the first section to the second section, and the second section to the third section so that a skier may disengage himself from the binding and the release mechanism.
 9. Apparatus as recited in claim 4, which comprises: a separate shielded cable for each boot; a separate mechanism switch for each boot; and a release switch interconnecting the two release mechanisms, said release switch in one control setting having means for actuating both cables upon the actuation of either release mechanism and in another control setting for actuating the cables only when both release mechanisms are actuated.
 10. In a ski binding of the cable release type, which includes a toe holding unit, a cable extending around the heel of the boot, and a spring biased lever mechanism for placing tension on the cable to urge the toe of the boot into the toe holding unit, the improvement which comprises: a command release means adapted to be held in the hand of the skier during the act of skiing for producing a release command when the hand of the skier opens; means responsive to the release command for releasing tension on the cable on command so that the boot can be extricated from the ski; means for transmitting the release command from said command means to the releasing means.
 11. A ski binding as recited in claim 10, wherein said tension releasing means comprises: a release element mounted in the cable and adapted upon actuation to lengthen the cable so as to relax the cable tension; a shielded cable connected at one end to said release element, said cable extending upwardly along the skier''s torso to his hand; and a release mechanism adapted to be held in the hand of the skier and connected to the other end of the shielded cAble for actuating the release element upon the command of the skier.
 12. In a ski binding of the cable release type, which includes a toe holding unit, a cable extending around the heel of the boot, and a spring biased lever mechanism for placing tension on the cable to urge the toe of the boot into the toe holding unit, the improvement which comprises: means controlled by the skier during the act of skiing for releasing the tension on the cable on command so that the boot can be extricated from the ski, said tension releasing means comprising: means for normally urging said spring biased lever mechanism into an unloaded position; a latch for holding said spring biased lever mechanism in the loaded position parallel to the ski; a shielded cable connected at one end to said latch, said cable extending upwardly along the skier''s torso to his hand; and a release mechanism adapted to be held in the hand of the skier and connected to the other end of the shielded cable for releasing the latch upon the command of the skier during the act of skiing.
 13. In a ski binding of the cable release type, which includes a toe holding unit, a cable extending around the heel of the boot, and a spring biased lever mechanism for placing tension on the cable to urge the toe of the boot into the toe holding unit, the improvement which comprises: means controlled by the skier during the act of skiing for releasing the tension on the cable on command so that the boot can be extricated from the ski, and means for moving the toe binding unit forward as the tension in the cable is released.
 14. Safety ski binding assembly for releasably securing a ski and boot together, comprising: binding means for releasably clamping a ski and boot together, latch means for holding said binding means in clamping position, a command release means adapted to be held in the hand of the skier during the act of skiing for producing a release command when the hand of the skier opens, and means for transmitting the release command from said command means to said latch means for releasing said latch means on command to release the boot from the ski.
 15. A step-in ski binding in accordance with claim 14, for securing a boot to a ski, which comprises: an articulated sole plate having forward and rear segments hingedly connected at their juncture; means for hingedly connecting the rear edge of the rear segment to the ski; first spring means for normally urging said segments into an inverted V position with respect to said ski when no boot is in the binding, said spring means being placed in a loaded condition upon insertion of a boot into the binding; a heel binding and release unit mounted on said rear segment of the sole plate, said unit being moved into engagement with the heel of the boot as the boot, on insertion into the binding, urges the two segments of the sole plate into coplanar relationship, parallel to the ski; a transmission plate positioned under the sole plate and extending forwardly thereof, said transmission plate being movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the sole plate; a toe binding and release unit mounted on said transmission plate for fore and aft movement with said plate; second spring means biasing said transmission plate forwardly, said spring means being loaded as the sole plate is brought into parallel relationship with the ski; said latch means being associated with said transmission plate for normally holding said plate in its rearward position, thereby loading said second spring means, as the sole plate is brought into parallel relationship with the ski; and release of said latch means allowing the transmission plate and the toe binding and release unit to move forwardly so that the boot can be extricated from the ski.
 16. A ski binding as recited in claim 15, which further comprises: means for releasably holding said toe binding and release unit oN said transmission plate so that the unit moves forward relative to the plate upon a forward shock.
 17. A ski binding as recited in claim 16, wherein said transmission plate is bifurcated and said toe binding and release unit is supported between the furcations, and wherein said holding means comprises: spring biased latch means protruding from said toe binding release unit against an edge of the furcations, said latch means being disengaged from the furcations upon the exertion of a predetermined force against the toe binding and release unit.
 18. A ski binding as recited in claim 17, which further comprises: means for adjusting said spring biased latch means to release at different predetermined forces.
 19. A ski binding as recited in claim 15, wherein said heel binding and release unit comprises: means for releasing the boot from said when a predetermined lateral force is transmitted from the boot to the unit.
 20. A ski binding as recited in claim 19, wherein said lateral releasing means comprises: a hollow frame mounted on the rear segment of the sole plate, said frame having a generally horizontal camming surface; a core member secured inside the hollow frame for rotation about a vertical axis, said member having a cam in engagement with said camming surface; means for biasing said cam and cam surface together to restrain said core from rotating on its vertical axis under less than a predetermined force; and a binding bracket mounted on said core and rotatable therewith, said bracket being disengaged from the boot when said core rotates on its vertical axis under more than said predetermined force.
 21. A ski binding as recited in claim 20, wherein said core has a plurality of tiers, and said binding bracket is movable from one tier to another so that the bracket can be adjusted to the proper height with respect to the boot.
 22. A ski binding as recited in claim 15, wherein said heel binding and release unit comprises: means associated with said latch releasing means for releasing the boot from said unit when a predetermined upward force is transmitted from the boot to the unit.
 23. A ski binding as recited in claim 22, wherein said upward releasing means comprises: a depending hook movable upward with the heel binding and release unit for raising said latch releasing means to release the transmission plate.
 24. A ski binding as recited in claim 15, wherein said means for transmitting the release command comprises: a shielded cable connected at one end to said latch means and connected at the other end to said command release means for transmitting the release command from the skier to the latch means for releasing said latch means.
 25. The apparatus of claim 14, which comprises: a frame pivotally mounted about a transverse axis on the ski, said frame extending rearward therefrom; a heel gripping and release unit mounted for fore and aft movement on said frame; at least one transmission arm pivotally connected at one end to the heel gripping and release unit, and forming a triangular structure with the frame and the ski in the unloaded condition, the other end of said arm being mounted for movement longitudinally on the ski; spring means associated with the frame and the heel gripping and release unit for normally biasing said unit rearward; a latch mechanism for restraining the other end of the transmission arm against longitudinal movement during insertion of the boot into the binding, whereupon the frame and arm assume positions generally parallel to the ski, and the heel gripping and release unit moves forward and downward to engage the boot thereby placing said spring means in a loaded condition; and means for releasing said latch means upon the application of predetermined forces to the heel gripping and release unit so that said frame and unit move rearward on the ski under the influence of said spring means whereby the boot can be extricated from the bindinG.
 26. A stepin ski binding as recited in claim 25, which further comprises: means for holding the frame in a position parallel to the ski once the boot has been inserted in the binding, said holding means being released by the rearward movement of the heel gripping and release unit upon release of said latch means.
 27. In apparatus of claim 14, a stepin ski binding for securing the heel of a boot to a ski, said ski having a toe binding unit, the improvement which comprises: a base plate secured to the ski rearwardly of the toe binding unit, said plate having openings on either side; a carriage block having projections extending therefrom into said openings for movement fore and aft on said plate; a retaining arm connected to the forward part of said carriage block, said arm having means for clamping the heel of the boot and said arm being mounted for lateral pivotal movement with respect to said block; means for restraining the pivotal movement of said arm about said block until a predetermined force is applied thereto at which time the arm moves laterally to permit release of the ski boot; means for restraining the upward movement of said block and arm until a predetermined force is applied thereto at which time said block and arm move upwardly together to permit release of the ski boot; and means for moving said carriage block and retaining arm rearwardly away from the boot when either of said predetermined forces are exceeded to facilitate separation of the boot and the ski.
 28. A stepin ski binding as recited in claim 27, wherein said retaining block comprises: a rear section connected to said carriage block and including a vertical pin on which the rear section pivots; a forward section hingedly connected on a horizontal axis for vertical movement with respect to the rear section; means for urging said forward section into a raised position at an acute angle to the rear section in preparation for loading with the boot, the longitudinal axes of said sections being colinear when the binding is loaded; and means for locking said sections in colinear relationship while the boot is secured in the binding.
 29. Safety ski binding assembly for releasably securing a ski and boot together, comprising: binding means for releasably clamping a ski and boot together; latch means for holding said binding means in clamping position; means controlled by the skier during the act of skiing for releasing said latch means on command to release the boot from the ski; a command release mechanism adapted to be held in the hand of the skier; and a shielded cable connected at one end to said latch means and connected at the other end to said release mechanism for transmitting the release command from the skier to the latch means.
 30. Apparatus as recited in claim 29, which further includes: a ski pole; and wherein said release mechanism is mounted on the handle end of said pole.
 31. Apparatus as recited in claim 29, which further includes: a ski pole; and wherein said release mechanism includes; a handle grip connected to one end of the pole, one end of said shielded cable being connected to the handle grip; and spring means for biasing said handle grip away from the pole upon release of the grip by the skier to pull the cable and thereby actuate the latch means on the command of the skier.
 32. Apparatus as recited in claim 31, which includes, means for holding the release mechanism in a safety position so that release of the handle grip does not result in a release of said latch means.
 33. Apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein said shielded cable is divided into at least three separable sections, a first of which is secured to the binding, a second of which is carried on the skier''s body, and the third section is secured to the release switch, and which further includes, cable connectors for releasably connecting the first section to the second Section, and the second section to the third section so that a skier may disengage himself from the binding and the release mechanism.
 34. Apparatus as recited in claim 29, which comprises: a separate shielded cable for each boot; a separate mechanism switch for each boot; and a release switch interconnecting the two release mechanisms, said release switch in one control setting having means for actuating both cables upon the actuation of either release mechanism and in another control setting for actuating the cables only when both release mechanisms are actuated. 